16587 results for "sec+and+unspecified+malignant+neoplasm"

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• Chromatin remodeling enhances MAP3K8 expression in HAM: a key pathogenesis for therapeutic intervention

  Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1)-associated myelopathy (HAM) is a debilitating neuroinflammatory disease with no available effective treatments. A hallmark of HAM is the transformation of HTLV-1-infected cells into T helper type 1 (Th1)-like cells, characterized by excessive interferon (IFN)-gamma production that drives chronic inflammation. However, the molecular mechanisms fuel this aberrant Th1-like transformation and sustained inflammation remain poorly understood. We hypothesized that HAM-characteristic chromatin remodeling plays a pivotal role in the overexpression of key genes driving inflammatory pathogenesis. Using transcriptomic analysis, chromatin accessibility profiling, and biomarker evaluations across HTLV-1-related diseases, we identify MAP3K8 as a key gene that defines the unique inflammatory profile of HAM. MAP3K8 overexpression promotes Th1-like differentiation and constitutively activates the MEK-ERK signaling pathway. Furthermore, we elucidate the mechanism by which HTLV-1 Tax, Fosl2, and c-Jun collaboratively induce HAM-characteristic chromatin remodeling at the enhancer region of the MAP3K8 locus. Crucially, we demonstrate that mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitors effectively suppress the MAP3K8-MEK signaling cascade and significantly mitigated inflammatory pathogenesis in an ex vivo culture assay. Our findings provide critical insights into the virus-host interactions underpinning HAM and propose the MAP3K8-MEK-ERK axis as a promising therapeutic target for this challenging condition.

  Study JGAS000835

• Novel CNV contribution to schizophrenia from a genome wide study of 41,321 subjects

  Genomic copy number variants (CNVs) have been strongly implicated in the etiology schizophrenia (SCZ). However, apart from a small number of risk variants, elucidation of the CNV contribution to risk has been difficult due to the very low frequencies of risk alleles, all occurring in less than 1% of patients. We sought to address this obstacle through a collaborative effort unprecedented in psychiatry in which we applied a centralized analysis pipeline to a large SCZ cohort of 21,094 cases and 20,227 controls. A global enrichment of CNV burden is observed in SCZ patients (OR=1.11, P=5.7e-15), and persists after excluding loci implicated in previous studies (OR=1.07, P=1.7e-6). CNV Burden is also enriched for genes associated with synaptic function (OR = 1.68, P = 2.8e-11) and neurobehavioral phenotypes in mouse (OR = 1.18, P= 7.3e-05). While only previously implicated loci surpass strict genome-wide testing correction, we identify “novel” CNVs (BH-FDR < 0.05) that confer both protective and risk effects on SCZ and are predominantly mediated by non-allelic homologous recombination (NAHR). Our combined data find genome-wide significant support for eight loci, including 1q21.1, 2p16.3 (NRXN1), 3q29, 7q11.2, 15q13.3, distal 16p11.2, proximal 16p11.2 and 22q11.2.

  Study EGAS00001001960

• Aggressive genomic features in clinicallyindolent primary HHV8-negative effusion-based lymphoma

  Human herpesvirus 8-negative effusion-based lymphoma (HHV8-negative EBL) is a distinct lymphoma entity related to fluid overload states caused by underlying medical conditions. Due to a phenotypical resemblance with secondary effusion of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), HHV8-negative EBL is easily misdiagnosed. However, in contrast to DLBCL, HHV8-negative EBL follows a mild clinical course, underpinning the importance to differentiate between the two entities. Only limited molecular data of HHV8-negative EBL has been reported and characteristic genomic patterns are lacking. We performed extensive genomic profiling on 8 HHV8-negative EBL cases. A mean number of 33.6 copy number gains and losses per case were found, with recurrent focal deletions of chromosome 3p14.2 and 6q21 in 6/8 cases, encompassing tumor supressor genes FHIT and PRDM1, respectively. We observed a high rate of mutations across genes frequently involved in DLBCL, including patterns of somatic hypermutation. The most abundant hotspot mutation was found in MYD88L265P (3/8 cases). In addition, 5/8 cases had one or more translocations, involving MYC, BCL2, BCL6, TP63, EXOC2 and KMT2D, with Ig and non-Ig partners. We conclude that HHV8-negative EBL is characterized by genomic features that are commonly found in more aggressive B-cell lymphomas, but despite this follow an indolent clinical course.

  Study EGAS00001002743

• RNA-sequencing of six Pilocytic astrocytoma tumors

  Pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) is the most common pediatric brain tumor. A recurrent feature of PA is deregulation of the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway most often through KIAA1549-BRAF fusion, but also by other BRAF- or RAF1-gene fusions and point mutations (e.g. BRAFV600E). These features may serve as diagnostic and prognostic markers, and also facilitate development of targeted therapy. The aim of this study was to characterize the genetic alterations underlying the development of PA tumor in six cases, and evaluate methods for fusion oncogene detection. Using a combined analysis of RNA sequencing and copy number variation data we identified a new BRAF fusion involving the 5’ gene fusion partner GTF2I (7q11.23), not previously described in PA. The novel GTF2I-BRAF 19-10 fusion was found in one case, while the other five cases harbored the frequent KIAA1549-BRAF 16-9 fusion gene. Comparing fusion detection methods, Fluorescence in situ hybridization with BRAF break apart probe was the most sensitive method for detection of the two different BRAF rearrangements (GTF2I-BRAF and KIAA1549-BRAF). Our finding of a novel BRAF fusion in PA further emphasis the important role of B-Raf in tumorigenesis of these tumor types. Also, the growing list of BRAF/RAF gene fusions suggests these to be informative tumor markers in molecular diagnostics, which could guide future treatment strategies.

  Study EGAS00001002149

• PD-L1 blockade immunotherapy rewires cancer-induced emergency myelopoiesis

  Introduction Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment, demonstrating exceptional clinical responses in a wide range of cancers. Despite the success, a significant proportion of patients still fail to respond, highlighting the existence of unappreciated mechanisms of immunotherapy resistance. Delineating such mechanisms is paramount to minimize immunotherapy failures and optimize the clinical benefit. Methods In this study, we treated tumour-bearing mice with PD-L1 blockage antibody (aPD-L1) immunotherapy, to investigate its effects on cancer-induced emergency myelopoiesis, focusing on bone marrow HSPCs. We examined the impact of aPD-L1 treatment on HSPC quiescence, proliferation, transcriptomic profile, and functionality. Results Herein, we reveal that aPD-L1 in tumour-bearing mice targets the hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) in the bone marrow (ΒΜ), mediating their exit from quiescence and promoting their proliferation. Notably, disruption of the PDL1/PD1 axis induces transcriptomic reprogramming in HSPCs, observed in both individuals with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and tumour-bearing mice, shifting towards an inflammatory state. Furthermore, HSPCs from aPDL1-treated mice demonstrated resistance to cancer-induced emergency myelopoiesis, evidenced by a lower generation of MDSCs compared to control-treated mice. Discussion: Our findings shed light on unrecognized mechanisms of action of ICB immunotherapy in cancer, which involves targeting of BM-driven HSPCs and reprogramming of cancer-induced emergency myelopoiesis.

  Study EGAS00001007873

• Coding and small non-coding transcriptional landscape of tuberous sclerosis complex cortical tubers: implications for pathophysiology and treatment

  Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) is a rare genetic disorder that results from a mutation in the TSC1 or TSC2 genes leading to constitutive activation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). TSC is associated with autism, intellectual disability and severe epilepsy. Cortical tubers are believed to represent the neuropathological substrates of these disabling manifestations in TSC. In the presented study we used high-throughput RNA sequencing in combination with systems-based computational approaches to investigate the complexity of the TSC molecular network. Overall we detected 438 differentially expressed genes and 991 differentially expressed small non-coding RNAs in cortical tubers compared to autopsy control brain tissue. We observed increased expression of genes associated with inflammatory, innate and adaptive immune responses. In contrast, we observed a down-regulation of genes associated with neurogenesis and glutamate receptor signaling. MicroRNAs represented the largest class of over-expressed small non-coding RNA species in tubers. In particular, our analysis revealed that the miR-34 family (including miR-34a, miR-34b and miR-34c) was significantly over-expressed. Functional studies demonstrated the ability of miR-34b to modulate neurite outgrowth in mouse primary hippocampal neuronal cultures. This study provides new insights into the TSC transcriptomic network along with the identification of potential new treatment targets.

  Study EGAS00001002485

• Using_genetics_to_identify_cell_types_and_mechanisms_underlying_susceptibility_to_primary_sclerosing_cholangitis

  Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a T-cell mediated, chronic inflammatory condition of the biliary tree that is strongly associated with inflammatory bowel disease. Genome-wide association studies have identified 22 non-HLA genetic risk variants associated PSC. Identifying the genes impacted by these variants has proven difficult as the majority lie in non-coding regions of the genome. Knowledge of the genes and biological pathways these non-coding variants are perturbing is vital to understanding the disease biology. One means of assessing the impact of non-coding variants within disease associated loci upon genes is via colocalisation with eQTL. Many eQTL are cell-type specific, requiring the analysis of disease relevant cell types to detect colocalisation. We have collected PSC-relevant T-cell-subtypes from the peripheral blood of PSC patients via fluorescence activated cell sorting in preparation for RNA sequencing and mapping of eQTL. Samples were collected at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hopital, for which local ethical approval has been granted. Lysed cell samples will be transferred to WTSI and DNA/RNA will be extracted from lysed cell samples by T143 before genotyping (DNA) and custom library preparation and sequencing (RNA). This data is part of a pre-publication release. For information on the proper use of pre-publication data shared by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (including details of any publication moratoria), please see http://www.sanger.ac.uk/datasharing/

  Study EGAS00001002643

• Cerebral organoid model reveals excessive proliferation of human caudal late interneuron progenitors in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex

  Although the intricate and prolonged development of the human brain critically distinguishes it from other mammals, our current understanding of neurodevelopmental diseases is largely based on work using animal models. Recent studies revealed that neural progenitors in the human brain are profoundly different from those found in rodent animal models. Moreover, post-mortem studies revealed extensive migration of interneurons into the late-gestational and post-natal human prefrontal cortex that does not occur in rodents. Here, we use cerebral organoids to show that overproduction of mid-gestational human interneurons causes Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC), a severe neuro-developmental disorder associated with mutations in TSC1 and TSC2. We identify a previously uncharacterized population of caudal late interneuron progenitors, the CLIP-cells. In organoids derived from patients carrying heterozygous TSC2 mutations, dysregulation of mTOR signaling leads to CLIP-cell over-proliferation and formation of cortical tubers and subependymal tumors. Surprisingly, second-hit events resulting from copy-neutral loss-of-heterozygosity (cnLOH) are not causative for but occur during the progression of tumor lesions. Instead, EGFR signaling is required for tumor proliferation, opening up a promising approach to treat TSC lesions. Our study demonstrates that the analysis of developmental disorders in organoid models can lead to fundamental insights into human brain development and neuropsychiatric disorders.

  Study EGAS00001004586

• Identifying genetic consequences of Epstein-Barr Virus transformation by comparing an individual’s genomic DNA with that of its lymphoblastoid cell line.

  A detailed analysis of whole genomes can be now achieved with next generation sequencing. Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) transformation is a widely used strategy in clinical research to obtain an unlimited source of a subject’s DNA. Although the mechanism of transformation and immortalization by EBV is relatively well known at the transcriptional and proteomic level, the genetic consequences of EBV transformation are less well understood. A detailed analysis of the genetic alterations introduced by EBV transformation is highly relevant, as it will inform on the usefulness and limitations of this approach. We used whole genome sequencing to assess the genomic signature of a low-passage lymphoblastoid cell line (LCL). Specifically, we sequenced the full genome (40X) of an individual using DNA purified from fresh whole blood as well as DNA from his LCL. A total of 217.33 Gb of sequence were generated from the cell line and 238.95 Gb from the normal genomic DNA. We determined with high confidence that 99.2% of the genomes were identical, with no reproducible changes in structural variation (chromosomal rearrangements and copy number variations) or insertion/deletion polymorphisms (indels). Our results suggest that, at this level of resolution, the LCL is genetically indistinguishable from its genomic counterpart and therefore their use in clinical research is not likely to introduce a significant bias.

  Study EGAS00001000323

• Using_genetics_to_identify_cell_types_and_mechanisms_underlying_susceptibility_to_primary_sclerosing_cholangitis

  Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a T-cell mediated, chronic inflammatory condition of the biliary tree that is strongly associated with inflammatory bowel disease. Genome-wide association studies have identified 22 non-HLA genetic risk variants associated PSC. Identifying the genes impacted by these variants has proven difficult as the majority lie in non-coding regions of the genome. Knowledge of the genes and biological pathways these non-coding variants are perturbing is vital to understanding the disease biology. One means of assessing the impact of non-coding variants within disease associated loci upon genes is via colocalisation with eQTL. Many eQTL are cell-type specific, requiring the analysis of disease relevant cell types to detect colocalisation. We have collected PSC-relevant T-cell-subtypes from the peripheral blood of PSC patients via fluorescence activated cell sorting in preparation for RNA sequencing and mapping of eQTL. Samples were collected at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hopital, for which local ethical approval has been granted. Lysed cell samples will be transferred to WTSI and DNA/RNA will be extracted from lysed cell samples by T143 before genotyping (DNA) and custom library preparation and sequencing (RNA). This data is part of a pre-publication release. For information on the proper use of pre-publication data shared by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (including details of any publication moratoria), please see http://www.sanger.ac.uk/datasharing/

  Study EGAS00001002642